Italy formalises digital nomad visa with joint ministerial decree
Italy has entrenched its digital nomad visa programme in Article 27-quater of the Immigration Code via a joint ministerial decree, creating a dedicated consular channel and aligning income-threshold calculations with INPS social security schedules. The minimum annual income requirement stands at EUR 28,000, with comprehensive health insurance of at least EUR 30,000 coverage required. The visa is renewable annually and provides a pathway to EU Long-Term Residence status after five years.
Why this matters for remote workers: Italy’s DNV is becoming more competitive as Portugal tightens tax perks and Malta raises income thresholds. The formalisation provides greater legal certainty for applicants — the visa is exempt from annual immigration quotas (decreto flussi) and does not require a work permit (nulla osta). For mid-career professionals in tech and creative sectors, Italy offers comparatively lower living costs in second-tier cities, strong transport links, and the potential to benefit from the 50% impatriate tax regime for relocating workers who commit to at least four years of Italian residence.
Regional authorities are now competing for nomad talent. Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna are drafting incentive packages including co-working vouchers and Italian language courses, signalling a new front in the country’s talent-attraction strategy beyond Rome and Milan. Bologna, Florence, and Sicily are emerging as popular bases for digital nomads seeking lower costs and a more settled pace. However, applicants should note that the visa requires “highly skilled” status — a university degree or at least five years’ professional experience, plus six months in the current role.
What to watch: Reports indicate the Italian government is planning a digital-nomad-specific tax incentive programme for later in 2026, separate from the impatriate regime (which requires a four-year commitment many nomads cannot make). This could significantly boost Italy’s competitiveness. For a full breakdown, see our Italy digital nomad visa guide.